The North Carolina State Fair kicks off Thursday in Raleigh, offering attendees several days of food, rides, fun and entertainment.

The annual event runs from Oct. 16 to Oct. 26, featuring 88 new food options, thrilling attractions like the Colossus and Kamikaze rides, and new performances, such as a Wild West roping and knife-throwing show, according to the official website and ABC 11.

Here’s a comprehensive guide for both visitors and state residents about the N.C. State Fair, including ticket sales, special packages, fan-favorite themed days and other important information as the event nears.

Tickets, special packages and fair schedule

Fairgoers can purchase tickets online for a faster and more convenient experience during the 11-day event.

This year, the fair introduces two new ticket packages, including the Bright Lights and Boots Package, which combines an adult admission ticket with a rodeo ticket and is a new feature in 2025. The rodeo is part of the N.C. State Fair Horse Show lineup, per ABC 11.

Hours of operation

Oct. 16: noon-11 p.m.
Oct. 17 and Oct. 18: 9 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
Oct. 19-Oct. 23: 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
Oct. 24 and Oct. 25: 9 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
Oct. 26: 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

Anyone planning to attend should be inside the gate before 9:45 p.m., as there will be no re-entry after that time.

Deals and discounts

There are four deals fairgoers can take advantage of this year:

The discounts include reduced admission for military members and veterans. According to WBTV, the fair is partnering with Duke Energy, one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Military Appreciation Day.

Military personnel with a valid ID receive free entry for themselves and one guest on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Military Appreciation Day at the fair begins at 10 a.m. with a parade, followed by performances from the 440th Army Band throughout the day and a Military Uniform Revue at 2:30 p.m., honoring the service of military personnel.

“The State Fair continues to offer military members and a guest discounted admission of $8 every other day of the fair,” Steve Troxler, agriculture commissioner, said, per WBTV. “Military Appreciation Day is our way of thanking the nation’s armed forces and their families for the sacrifices they have made to preserve our safety and freedom.”

Other special fair days

The fair features several other special days:

—Wolfpack Day on Oct. 17 will offer $8 admission for N.C. State students.

—Sensory Day on Oct. 19 will provide a low-stimulation experience from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

—Senior Citizens’ Day on Oct. 21 will give free admission to those 65 and older with morning refreshments and a short program.

—Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day on Oct. 23 will grant free entry to visitors who donate six canned goods.

Transportation and parking

According to the website, free parking is available on State Fair, Carter-Finley Football Stadium and Lenovo Center properties.

Lenovo Center Parking will offer reserved or paid parking on Thursday, Oct. 16; Friday, Oct. 17; Friday, Oct. 24; and Saturday, Oct. 25. Fairgoers are advised to use Wade Avenue to access the Edwards Mill Extension for these lots, though availability may vary if events are scheduled at Carter-Finley or Lenovo Center.

Recreational vehicles are not permitted to remain in State Fair-managed parking spaces between midnight and 8 a.m.

Additionally, some neighboring residents convert parts of their property into small private parking lots during the fair; these are not managed or controlled by the N.C. State Fair.

Fairgoers have other transportation options like Amtrak, which will offer a special train, NC by Train, which is located outside Gate 1 of the N.C. State Fair.

They can book tickets online using the station code NSF to purchase them.

Security and clear bag policy

Like past years, the fair will have two security checkpoints at each gate. Fairgoers with clear bags will pass through a faster inspection, while those with opaque bags must go through a full bag search. There is no size limit for clear bags, and attendees are encouraged to use them for quicker entry, according to the website.

Allowed items include outside food and drinks, water bottles, diaper bags with baby or toddler supplies, and medications. Prohibited items include alcoholic beverages, drugs, firearms, knives, brass knuckles, batons and any other weapons.

Service dogs are permitted, but all other pets are prohibited. This policy applies only to the N.C. State Fair in October and does not extend to other events at the fairgrounds.

For more information about the N.C. State Fair, visit the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.